The 1970s was a transformative decade for pop music, marked by the rise of several powerful female artists. These women not only defined the sound of the 70s but also influenced the course of pop music for decades to come. From disco to soulful ballads, their music remains timeless, reflecting the diverse spectrum of the pop music genre. In this article, we explore 22 of the most influential female pop singers of the 1970s, highlighting their contributions and enduring legacies.
22 Iconic 1970s Female Pop Singers With Unforgettable Hits
1. Donna Summer: The Queen of Disco
Donna Summer was the driving force behind the disco revolution in the 1970s. Known for her electrifying vocals and unforgettable hits like “Last Dance” and “Hot Stuff,” Summer became a key figure in shaping pop music. Her powerful voice and innovative productions made her an icon of the disco era. As one of the most successful pop music artists of the decade, she was often referred to as the “Queen of Disco.”
2. Aretha Franklin: The Soul Legend
While Aretha Franklin was already an established artist before the 1970s, it was during this decade that she reached the height of her fame. Known as the “Queen of Soul,” Franklin’s emotional delivery and incredible vocal range made her one of the most influential figures in pop music history. Hits like “Respect” and “Until You Come Back to Me” cemented her status as a musical legend.
3. Cher: The Goddess of Pop
Cher was not only a successful singer but also a cultural icon in the 1970s. Known for her unique voice and bold fashion choices, she became a symbol of empowerment. With hits like “Gypsys, Tramps & Thieves” and “Half-Breed,” Cher blended pop music with elements of rock and folk. Her impact on the pop music genre is undeniable, and she remains one of the most versatile artists in history.
4. Olivia Newton-John: The Pop Sensation
Olivia Newton-John made a significant mark on pop music in the 1970s with her sweet voice and soft pop style. Her chart-topping hits such as “I Honestly Love You” and “Physical” showcased her ability to cross over into different musical genres. Newton-John’s blend of pop, country, and adult contemporary music captured the hearts of millions.
5. Helen Reddy: The Feminist Icon
Helen Reddy became a symbol of women’s empowerment in the 1970s. With the release of “I Am Woman,” she delivered an anthem that resonated with feminists around the world. Reddy’s vocal prowess and her ability to blend pop and soft rock made her a standout artist of the era.
6. Gloria Gaynor: The Voice of Disco
Gloria Gaynor is best known for her anthem “I Will Survive,” a disco track that became a cultural phenomenon. Her voice and presence defined the disco era, and her music continues to inspire and uplift listeners to this day. Gaynor’s contribution to pop music history is immeasurable, as she became a pioneer of female empowerment through her songs.
7. Barbra Streisand: The Multi-Talented Diva
Barbra Streisand’s influence in the 1970s went beyond pop music. A talented actress, singer, and producer, Streisand’s versatility allowed her to appeal to various audiences. Her songs like “Evergreen” and “The Way We Were” demonstrated her ability to create timeless music that transcended genres. Streisand’s voice remains one of the most distinct and powerful in pop music.
8. Carly Simon: The Singer-Songwriter
Carly Simon rose to prominence in the 1970s with her introspective lyrics and smooth vocal delivery. With hits like “You’re So Vain” and “Anticipation,” Simon captured the complexities of love and relationships. As a female singer-songwriter, Simon broke barriers and became an influential figure in the pop music landscape.
9. Linda Ronstadt: The Versatile Performer
Linda Ronstadt was one of the most versatile female singers of the 1970s, moving between pop, country, and rock music. Her rich voice and ability to tackle various styles made her one of the decade’s most successful artists. Songs like “Blue Bayou” and “You’re No Good” showcased her vocal range and earned her a place in pop music history.
10. The Carpenters: The Soft Pop Duo
The Carpenters, led by Karen Carpenter, became the face of soft pop in the 1970s. With Karen’s smooth and emotive voice, the duo produced numerous hits like “(They Long to Be) Close to You” and “We’ve Only Just Begun.” Their melodic tunes made them a staple on the pop charts throughout the decade.
11. Anita Ward: Disco’s Rising Star
Anita Ward’s hit single “Ring My Bell” became an instant classic in the late 1970s. Her catchy disco beats and sweet vocals made her one of the era’s most memorable pop artists. Ward’s contribution to the pop music genre helped shape the disco movement, and her legacy still endures today.
12. Roberta Flack: The Soulful Singer
Roberta Flack’s smooth and soulful voice earned her widespread recognition in the 1970s. With hits like “Killing Me Softly with His Song” and “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face,” Flack’s ability to blend jazz, soul, and pop music captivated audiences and made her one of the most respected female singers of the era.
13. Diana Ross: The Supreme Diva
As the lead singer of The Supremes, Diana Ross became a pop music sensation in the 1960s, but her solo career took off in the 1970s. With hits like “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” and “Love Hangover,” Ross solidified her place as one of the era’s top pop stars. Her smooth, glamorous style and powerful voice made her a true icon of the 70s.
14. Bette Midler: The Broadway Star Turned Pop Icon
Bette Midler made a splash in the 1970s with her theatrical flair and distinctive voice. Known for her outrageous stage presence and unique sound, she became a beloved pop culture figure. Her rendition of “The Rose” showcased her emotional depth and cemented her place in pop music history.
15. Yvonne Elliman: The Soulful Songstress
Yvonne Elliman rose to fame in the 1970s with her hit song “If I Can’t Have You,” which became a disco classic. Her voice blended soul and pop effortlessly, and she became a significant figure in the disco movement. Elliman’s soulful ballads and energetic tunes left a lasting impact on pop music.
16. Melissa Manchester: The Pop Ballad Queen
Melissa Manchester was known for her ballads and emotional delivery. With songs like “Midnight Blue” and “Don’t Cry Out Loud,” Manchester became a leading voice in soft pop and adult contemporary music. Her heartfelt lyrics and melodic style made her a staple on pop radio throughout the 70s.
17. Chaka Khan: The Queen of Funk
Chaka Khan’s powerful voice and funky beats made her one of the most influential pop music artists of the 1970s. With hits like “Tell Me Something Good” and “I’m Every Woman,” Khan became a queen of funk and soul, bridging the gap between pop music and more experimental genres.
18. Sister Sledge: Disco Divas
Sister Sledge became one of the most popular female groups in the 1970s, thanks to their infectious disco hits like “We Are Family” and “He’s the Greatest Dancer.” Their harmonious vocals and energetic performances made them one of the best-loved pop music acts of the era.
19. Patti Labelle: The Empress of Soul
Patti LaBelle’s powerful voice and commanding stage presence earned her the title of “Empress of Soul.” With songs like “Lady Marmalade” and “If Only You Knew,” LaBelle combined pop with soul and R&B to create music that continues to resonate with audiences.
20. Mary Wilson: A Supreme Legacy
Mary Wilson was a founding member of The Supremes and remained a key figure in the pop music scene in the 1970s. Following the group’s disbandment, she continued to have a successful solo career. Her contributions to the pop music genre are undeniable, and her work with The Supremes laid the foundation for future generations of pop divas.
21. Vicki Sue Robinson: Disco’s Bright Star
Vicki Sue Robinson’s hit “Turn the Beat Around” became one of the most enduring songs of the 1970s disco era. Her infectious energy and powerful voice made her one of the era’s most memorable pop stars. Robinson’s contribution to the pop music genre helped shape the disco sound that defined the decade.
22. Ethel Merman: The Broadway Pop Influence
Ethel Merman was known for her powerful voice, but she also made her mark in pop music during the 1970s. Her crossover into pop music, along with her theatrical flair, set her apart from many of her peers. Merman’s contributions to the pop music genre paved the way for future artists to blend Broadway and pop music in exciting new ways.
SEE ALSO: 15 Iconic Pop Bands of the 2000s That Dominated the Music Scene
Conclusion
These 22 female pop singers not only dominated the charts in the 1970s but also helped shape the direction of pop music for years to come. From the birth of disco to the rise of singer-songwriters, their contributions are still felt today. Whether through disco anthems or soul ballads, these women created music that continues to define the genre and inspire new generations of pop music artists.
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